Thanks to the generosity of our patrons, Artistic Director Derek Ritschel delivered a cheque for $2,555 and two large totes full of donations to the Port Dover and Area Lifeline Food Bank this week.
The donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products were collected at our screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in late October. All proceeds from ticket sales also went to the food bank.
On hand to accept the donation were food bank chair Todd Whitford, far right, along with (left to right) volunteers Gail Ryan, Lynda Clark, Kevin Ryan, Maureen Rossiter, and treasurer Linda Irving.
Whitford reported that the food bank is currently serving 239 local clients, a number that includes children and seniors. He said donations like this one are crucial to the food bank’s ongoing efforts.
“This is amazing,” Whitford said. “We’re fully supported by the community. There’s no government involvement at all. It’s all done by Port Dover and the surrounding area.”
Irving, who pulls double duty as a volunteer with the food bank and the theatre, said donations from organizations make up 60 per cent of the food bank’s revenue, with the balance coming from individual donors.
The non-perishable food and hygiene items went right onto the food bank’s shelves, to be available to clients during weekly hours on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The monetary donation will be used to purchase milk, eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables – all of which are refrigerated on site – and other items as needed to fill in the gaps.
“I think the support is fabulous,” Irving said. “We get a lot from the businesses in town.”
We at Lighthouse echo those thanks to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser. Your support will help our neighbours in need have a brighter holiday season.
The food bank collects donations every Tuesday morning at 215 Market Street East, though bulk delivery can be arranged at other times by calling Whitford at 226-931-2776. Cheques can be mailed to the Port Dover and Area Lifeline Food Bank, PO Box 784, Port Dover ON, N0A1N0.